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Judicial
Branch Moves to New Courthouse for Juvenile Matters in Willimantic
HARTFORD –
Judge Robert C. Leuba, Chief
Court Administrator for the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, announced the opening of
the new courthouse for Juvenile Matters in Willimantic today.
The new Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, an 18,545
square-feet facility, opened its doors on 81 Columbia Avenue this morning, providing more
than six times the space available in the old site at 316 Pleasant Street.
"The opening of this courthouse, which replaces one of
our most overcrowded juvenile facilities, is another step in our long-range commitment to
provide ongoing improvements and state-of-the-art enhancements to the juvenile component
of our justice system," said Judge Leuba.
"This new facility greatly increases the services that
the Judicial Branch can provide for the families, attorneys, citizens and employees that
must use the Courthouse," he added. "By providing an additional courtroom, more
parking, an expanded holding area and ample space for offices, the Judicial Branch can
offer increased efficiency in its day-to-day operations as well as space for expansion as
the community needs increase over time."
The State of Connecticut has a 10-year lease for the
one-floor Courthouse, which has 75 parking spaces, an additional courtroom to handle
increasing caseloads, a holding area for juveniles with five secure rooms and a sallyport.
The previous building had just 12 parking spaces, one courtroom and a modified holding
cell.
The building also provides adequate office space for
Juvenile Probation, court officers, court monitors, interpreters and clerical staff as
well as agencies participating in the adjudication process, including Public Defenders,
Assistant Attorney Generals, volunteers and other state agencies.
In addition, the security system has been upgraded and
improved for the staff, juveniles and the public. These improvements include electronic
security features such as x-ray and metal detectors at the entrances, private circulation
systems for staff and prisoner movement throughout the facility, closed circuit television
monitoring, card readers for entry and duress alarms throughout the building.
Monday morning, before he was to take the Bench for the
first time in the new facility, Presiding Judge Michael A. Mack said proudly, "This
building is reflective of Judge Leuba’s commitment to Juvenile Court in the State of
Connecticut and, is further testimony that Juvenile Court is recognized as an extremely
important part of our judicial system."
The Willimantic facility is the second juvenile courthouse
to open this year. In February Juvenile Matters in Torrington moved to a more spacious
building. There are now 13 juvenile courthouses in the state. Next Spring Juvenile Matters
in Uncasville will move to new quarters in Waterford.
For information contact Ginny Apple, Manager of
Communications, 860-757-2270.
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